India's Supreme Court and Delhi High Court ordered the postponement of physical sports events in Delhi-NCR for November and December amid severe air pollution. The courts expressed concern over children's health during hearings on a petition by 11 students. With AQI nearing 400, the move aims to shield young participants from toxic haze.
On November 20, 2025, Delhi's AQI ranged between 392 and 400, falling into the severe category, while Ghaziabad recorded 422, the highest among 239 cities. Low wind speeds and falling temperatures trapped pollutants, creating a persistent toxic haze. Stubble burning incidents dipped to 3.8% contribution, but transport emissions at 18.03% and PM2.5 from various sources dominated.
Eleven Delhi students petitioned the High Court to reschedule sports events from October to January, citing health risks during peak pollution. Parents reported children returning from events with watery eyes, asthma symptoms, coughing, and headaches. Vasant Vihar resident Vidyut Gulati said, "Children return with watery eyes, asthmatic symptoms, itchy skin." Mehboob Shaw's daughter struggled to breathe after a football tournament in severe AQI conditions.
Justice Sachin Datta accused the Delhi government of shirking responsibility and sought a status report on measures taken. He remarked, "They cannot be deprived of damage to lungs, is it?" The Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran, directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) based on amicus curiae Aparajita Singh's submission, calling outdoor sports a "gas chamber."
CAQM promptly wrote to Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh governments to postpone all physical sports competitions in November and December. A 2021 AIIMS study showed short-term exposure increases children's emergency respiratory visits. Forecasts indicate severe AQI on November 22, with severe to very poor levels ahead. The decision prioritizes child health but underscores the need for lasting solutions.
